Parents tell the nurse that their toddler eats little at ...

[tiffannnnyyyyyy]

Parents tell the nurse that their toddler eats little at mealtime, only sits at the table with the family briefly, and wants snacks all the time. What should the nurse recommend?
 
  a. Give her nutritious snacks.
  b. Offer rewards for eating at mealtimes.
  c. Avoid snacks so she is hungry at mealtimes.
  d. Explain to her in a firm manner what is expected of her.

Question 2

A father tells the nurse that his daughter wants the same plate and cup used at every meal, even if they go to a restaurant. The nurse should explain that this is what?
 
  a. A sign the child is spoiled
  b. An attempt to exert unhealthy control
  c. Regression, which is common at this age
  d. Ritualism, an expected behavior at this age

[bhavsar]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Most toddlers exhibit a physiologic anorexia in response to the decreased nutritional requirements associated with the slower growth rate. Parents should assist the child in developing healthy eating habits. Toddlers are often unable to sit through a meal. Frequent nutritious snacks are a good way to ensure proper nutrition. To help with developing healthy eating habits, food should be not be used as positive or negative reinforcement for behavior. The child may develop habits of overeating or eat non-nutritious foods in response. A toddler is not able to understand explanations of what is expected of her and comply with the expectations.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The child is exhibiting the ritualism, which is characteristic at this age. Ritualism is the need to maintain sameness and reliability. It provides a sense of structure and comfort to the toddler. It will dictate certain principles in feeding practices, including rejecting a favorite food because it is served in a different container. This does not indicate the child has unreasonable expectations but rather is part of normal development. Ritualism is not regression, which is a retreat from a present pattern of functioning.